Jake

Plummer

They hold a $6 million option and have said all along they will pick it up. If Shanahan were to leave, which is unlikely, that could complicate matters.

The team has a decision to make whether to trigger an option in Plummer’s contract. How well he plays the rest of the year may still decide the matter.

The Broncos say it isn’t serious and he won’t go for an MRI. He should be okay for Denver’s first preseason game in Houston next week. Brad Van Pelt will get first- team snaps in the meantime, a scary thought for Broncos fans.

The team thought Plummer would miss time because of a minor knee injury. He’ll be ready for the preseason opener.

He hasn’t missed a practice. ''Going into your ninth year, you wouldn’t mind getting offered (a day off),’' he said. ''But when it’s not offered, you don’t say anything about it. I’ve got to get out here and set the tone.’'

Plummer may run less because of his bum knee this year. But he should still be a very solid yardage and TD fantasy quarterback.

The Bucs will sit on Plummer’s rights and hope he changes his mind about retirement, then possibly trade him to Houston closer to the draft. Tampa currently has six QBs under contract: Jeff Garcia, Plummer, Luke McCown, Bruce Eugene, Bruce Gradkowski, and Chris Simms, and is in a comfortable place to make a move if he decides to come back. The conditions of the pick are likely based on if and how much Plummer plays for the Bucs this year.

“You can know by the look in my face and hearing my words that I am retiring from the NFL,” Plummer said. “At 32 years old, I’m running away from the game. Not in fear or fright, but health-wise. I have a lot to look forward to in my life. I’m ready to move on...and try some new challenges.”

At the offseason’s start, Plummer was considered a near lock to end up with the Texans. The Raiders are reportedly “believed to have some interest” in him, but there have been no known, substantive trade talks.

His lawyers didn’t accept the plea deal. We have Plummer as a good-for-value, second-tier QB1 in 2006. He’s risky in dynasty leagues.